When evaluating access controls in ServiceNow, in what order are the rules evaluated?

When evaluating access controls in ServiceNow, in what order are the rules evaluated?

• A. From most specific match to most generic match
• B. From least specific to most specific match
• C. In alphabetical order of the rule name
• D. In random order

Answer: (A)

ServiceNow uses a best-match approach for ACLs, evaluating from the most specific to the most generic. When a user requests access to a record or field, the system gathers all ACLs that could apply and orders them by how tightly they fit the request—the most specific rules (for a particular record, a specific field, or narrow conditions) come first. The first matching ACL that yields a decision (allow or deny) determines the outcome. If none apply, access is denied by default. This ordering lets you override general permissions with very specific rules, and ensures sensitive cases are correctly blocked even when broader rules would permit.

ServiceNow uses a best-match approach for ACLs, evaluating from the most specific to the most generic. When a user requests access to a record or field, the system gathers all ACLs that could apply and orders them by how tightly they fit the request—the most specific rules (for a particular record, a specific field, or narrow conditions) come first. The first matching ACL that yields a decision (allow or deny) determines the outcome. If none apply, access is denied by default. This ordering lets you override general permissions with very specific rules, and ensures sensitive cases are correctly blocked even when broader rules would permit.